You should apply for legal aid as soon as you have been charged or received a summons to appear in court. Do not wait until your first day in court.

Fill in a criminal legal aid application

To apply for legal aid, you’ll need information about your income, assets, financially dependent children, and the case you’re involved in. You can get help from a lawyer, court staff, or legal aid staff.

The application form you will need depends on the type of offence you have been charged with.